Ruth asks…
Where can I recycle old tattered clothing in Vancouver?
I have some old tattered clothing that I was using as rags for the mean time but I’d like too clear away the clutter I have in my house. The thing is I don’t want to keep trashing the materials because I wanted to be more eco friendly this year. I heard of one organization that did but is no longer accepting clothing and I called Salvation Army but they don’t recycle tattered clothing, at least that’s what they said. Can anyone give me any suggestions?
The Expert answers:
You might try earth911 which has a pretty good data base of recycling opportunities. Also, you might try freecycle.org which is ultimately housed by Yahoo Groups.
In the process, you might decide how and/or who would use your tatters. If they still have usable material, fasteners, or embellishments your tatters may have more/different value than tatters more ameniable to use purely as rags. But, in terms of “rags”, think of who and what types of people may want or need free rags. … Often, these are the types of folks that work with oils, greases, solvents, and paints. You might find an individual and/or a business type right along your beaten path who would be willing to take all the tattered clothing you are willing to drop off.
Thomas asks…
Eco-Friendly Poll?
1. Do you buy organic clothing, food, cleaning products, etc.?
2. Are you willing to pay more for an eco–friendly or organic product?
3. Are you a strong supporter of the environment?
The Expert answers:
1. Yes
2. Yes
3. Yes – and i do not eat anything meat fish or eggs as these indusrties are the most viscious at killing the planet
Mandy asks…
clothing dilemma?
is there somewhere that ‘eco–friendly‘ clothing is rated? I’m wondering what would be a total lower cost to the environment, thinks like t-shirts made from PET (recycled plastic) or organically grown materials like hemp and cotton? How do you take into account transportation costs? Thanks
The Expert answers:
Just ‘cos it’s 100% cotton is not necessarily a good thing. Cotton production is 1 of the highest users of pesticides, so I believe. There are now lots of organic companies, that sell clothes on the net. These companies have often already done the hard work, sourcing fabrics that have been ethically produced with a minimum ‘footprint’. I believe that bamboo is the latest fabric to use, ‘cos it is so easy to grow that it doesn’t need chemicals. The thing I’m not sure of is where it is grown. I’m not sure if there may be an issue of destroying forests to grow it!?
To be environmentally friendly, I believe the latest advise is to buy a few fair-trade, organic clothes, that are well made and versatile, and so will last. Rather than the trend of buying lots of cheap ‘throw away’ fashion items.
A rating system would be great. I know that Greenpeace is campaigning for ethical clothing but don’t know if they have info on what they consider is best. Friends of the Earth may well do so too. I couldnt find out, when I tried to check.
Betty asks…
What’s the most “eco-friendly” way to raise babies?
I’m pregnant and I’m not like an eco-fanatic but I’m starting to try. For starters, I’m breastfeeding so that’s none of the waste that comes with bottle feeding (my sister used formula and easily had ten plastic containers that were thrown away every single week). I plan on using cloth diapers (again, after watching all that my sister threw away each week, it just seems wasteful). But I see all these things about “organic” baby clothing and toys and I just don’t understand how it really matters if I buy clothes made of organic cotton or wool for twice the price. How does that work? Any other ways to be an eco–friendly mom? Thanks.
The Expert answers:
What’s the most “eco-friendly” way to raise babies?
You are on a good starting point –
A life style of less disposables and more keepables:
1. Breast feeding / freshly made foods vs. In jars/frozen/packed
2. Cloth diapers (use of a diaper service for a fresh load each wk)
a diaper rash is an unnatural phenomenon found only on babies with plastic diapers
3. Use of least plastic in toys and accessories, this will take ongoing thinking but can be done or at least attempted
e.g. Alternates are use of wood, metal, clay/ceramic/glass, fabric
In addition to the above alternatives being better for the baby, good for mother and Mother Nature, they are much less expensive on dad’s wallet. And lets not forget – no hassle of running for diapers and formula with the car every other week.
Also, this will lead to a ‘fresher’ lifestyle as apposed to a ‘canned/frozen and packed in plastic’ one which in the long run is a very healthy start for your baby.
*** The next generation will learn from you right from the start.
William asks…
Where can i buy the following?
Where can i buy Karoke cds in the Sparks NV area? Do i hafta order online? And also, where can i buy eco friendly clothes (natural dyes, organically grown cotton, etc.)? Also where to buy leggings.
The Expert answers:
Im not sure, but this may help. Go to this site, they are giving away gift cards for Old Navy, Best Buy, Abercrombie, and Kmart. All you need is your email address. Just pick one you like.
Old Navy: http://doiop.com/oldnavygiftcard
Best Buy: http://doiop.com/bestbuy
Abercrombie: http://doiop.com/abercrombie
Kmart: http://doiop.com/kmartgiftcard
I put in my email addresses for these websites and got 500 dollar gift cards for Abercrombie in 3 days. I was pretty surprised.
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